Academy Courses – Morning Academics

4 Star Camps’ Academy Courses are designed for rising 9th-12th grade students looking to explore a field of study and possible career choice. Students join our academy courses to discover more about careers of interest, to learn from polished professionals and academics, and to build skills that will help them achieve at the university level. Each academy includes three hours of programming each camp morning (9 am – 12 pm): students listen to guest speakers, seek out informational interviews, prep projects, and learn from the University of Virginia’s best. Led by UVA graduate students, area secondary teachers, and professionals in various fields, Academy Courses engage students in exciting upper level work—without the pressures of grades or credit loads. Each Academy Course is unique, and students may choose either a one week or two week option.

What is the difference between one-week and two week academy courses? Our academy courses are designed in one-week units: that means that students can take a single week of an academy and then switch to a second, if they choose, without being behind their peers. The choice between these options really depends on whether you’re looking for an in depth exposure to a single field, or would rather explore more than one of the academies. Because our classes’ second weeks do not require prior experience, you won’t be behind if you join an academy’s second week, though obviously there will be some crossover between first and second weeks in a single academy. But you may want to hone in on a single area of study in order to pursue the maximum experiences and skills in just one academy.

Why 4 Star Academics?

Project-based learning – we believe students perform best when they build things

Students participate in an afternoon activity of their choice (either sports or one of our Essential Courses) following lunch each day. 4 Star Camps reserves the right to limit enrollment and/or cancel any class if there is overwhelming or insufficient registration. Course plans are subject to change.

Architecture Academy

A collaboration between the University of Virginia School of Architecture and 4 Star Camps, our architecture program is one of our most exciting courses. Students will take classes at UVA’s Campbell Hall, home of the School of Architecture. Their instructors, graduate students at the School and area professionals, will lead them through an introduction to the field, including the basics of drafting and modeling constructions, and some beginning theories of architecture. Projects include the design and modeling of an original construction, analysis of existing buildings, and exploring computer programming applications. Please note that there is a $100 materials fee per week for Architecture students

2 Week Sessions – July 2-14, July 16-28

1 Week Sessions – July 2-7, July 16-21

Business Academy

Discover finance, business management, entrepreneurship and marketing. This Academy Course includes informational interviews with successful professionals in the field, tours of Darden School of Business and McIntire School of Commerce, and projects like a stock market game, the development of a business plan, and group presentations of marketing proposals. Past instructors for this course include successful entrepreneurs, graduate students, and marketing professionals.

Sessions Offered:

2 Week Sessions – July 2-14, July 16-28

1 Week Sessions – July 2-7, July 9-14, July 16-21, July 24-28

Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has been reporting the obvious for years: STEM jobs are growing more rapidly than the rest of the economy, and particularly in computer-science related fields. This Academy Course will help you catch that train. If you’re already a dedicated scientist, passionate health care advocate, or well-trained computer programmer, this course will give you a chance to test your skills against your peers, and learn more about the careers you might someday pursue. If you’re new to the STEM fields, this is the perfect place to start. This course includes four components: programming, engineering, health care, and hard sciences. Past classes have explored the inner workings of the PokemonGo app, conducted robotic engineering experiments, learned about the spread of infections diseases, and tested water quality at an area stream. Course priorities will depend in part on student interests. The course stresses University of Virginia department tours, guest speaker visits from practicing experts in the field, and project-based learning.

2 Week Sessions – July 2-14, July 16-28

1 Week Sessions – July 2-7, July 9-14, July 16-21, July 24-28

Leadership Academy

So you want to lead, huh? You’ve come to the right place. The University of Virginia has been fostering America’s greatest public thinkers for centuries. Lawyers. Advocates. Strategic Communicators. Public Servants. At our Leadership Academy, you’ll join other students who are devoted to leading in these and other public fields. Together, you’ll analyze public problems, prepare case studies, study great leaders, and think through policy implications of legislative changes. Be prepared to argue your case in public, Possible tours at UVA include the Batten School of Public Policy and the University of Virginia Law School. Other tours include area advocacy and government agencies and businesses.

2 Week Sessions – July 2-14, July 16-28

1 Week Sessions – July 2-7, July 9-14, July 16-21, July 24-28

English as a Second Language (ESL) Academy

Led by an English as a Second Language professional, this special course will meet the particular needs of students new to the language. Course may include essay writing, sentence mechanics, grammar review, critical reading, and discussion. This is an intensive course that can be tailored to individual student needs.